Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland's capital.

From Helsinki, take your charter flight to Murmansk, Russia to join 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest and most powerful icebreaker.

Set the course for the North Pole. Please note that sailing conditions on the Arctic Ocean are changeable, so the crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take anywhere from 5 to 8 days. Watching Victory crush through the Arctic ice pack is a sight you never forget. Join naturalists and other experts in the lecture room for presentations on the wildlife, geology, history and other aspects of the Arctic. There are also briefings on the proper use of the helicopter and conservation guidelines for visiting this remote corner of the world. In between, do not miss the opportunity to watch for abundant Arctic seabirds and whales as you sail north.

Enter the polar ice pack and continue north through a wonderful kaleidoscope of ice, snow and water. It is impossible not to marvel as the 50 years of Victory surges forward through thick ice, leaving huge blocks in its wake. Resident experts continue their outstanding slide-illustrated presentations on all aspects of the Far North and keep watch for a wealth of Arctic wildlife along the way. The ship’s open bridge policy enablesyou to watch navigation and icebreaking operations around the clock. Ice reconnaissance flights, together with ice charts received via satellite, help your experienced captain and officers guide the 50 years of Victory steadily northwards. There are even opportunities to board the helicopter for fantastic aerial views of the ship crashing its way towards the pole – and to land briefly on the ice. Also plan to stop the ship temporarily, put down the gangway, and invite everyone down for an invigorating walkabout.

All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as you reach the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, wave a flag, enjoy your moment! Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. If the opportunity allows, you have the option of taking a polar plunge into the icy waters around the North Pole. *Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (weather dependant).

Mission accomplished, begin your adventurous journey south. The exact route depends on local conditions. This is another opportunity to enjoy the power of the icebreaker and the spectacular and ever-changing scenery. Look out for Arctic wildlife and, in particular, your chances of encountering polar bears on the return journey are good. Join naturalists and other experts in the lecture room for more presentations on the wildlife, geology, history and other aspects of this magnificent wilderness – and take the opportunity to visit the ship’s control center and engine room.

Enter a remote world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs, and glaciers at Franz Josef Land. The most northerly point in Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands stretches 375 kilometers (233 miles) from west to east and 234 kilometers (145 miles) from north to south. Undiscovered until 1873, it is still relatively unexplored. Here explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs explore remote seabird rookeries.

It is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here visit historic places like Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to buildings and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. You may see walrus and polar bears on these islands, which you can explore on Zodiac excursions.

Enjoy your time on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. Expedition staff is on hand to answer any remaining questions and point out wildlife during the return journey.

Returning to Russia's most northerly city, it is time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 years of Victory. Transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland, to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends.

After breakfast, your official Arctic journey comes to an end. You are encouraged to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia), and St. Petersburg prior to your continued journey home.